Thursday, December 29, 2016

From the Editor's DeskIt's about time we recognised Extremism as this century's great political strategy. Extremism is so potent not simply because it can get you the votes but because it can also help you stay in power. If it is the incitement-quotient in an Extremist's promises that energises his supporters at a political rally, what eventually comforts the Extremist's detractors, once he has assumed power, is his measured rollback of those very militant promises. More in this TradeBriefs Exclusive

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

From the Editor's DeskWhat is the evolution of anxiety? This article asserts that our brains didn't evolve in a Delayed Return Environment, but that's where we find ourselves today. Unlike animals who live in an 'Immediate Return' environment (and humans till recently in evolutionary terms), we currently live in an environment where returns for our actions come much later, leading to uncertainty. This is the root cause of anxiety and stress. There are two ways to reduce this stress - 1) Measure the things that are important to you and 2) Shift your worry to daily practices that pay off in the long-run. With these two tactics, you can reduce some of the uncertainty and chronic stress that is inherent in modern society. More here

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HDFC Bank, Niki.ai tie up for chatbot bankingThe chatbot is presently available on Facebook messenger where it can be used for e-commerce transactions like booking a cab, ordering food or paying bill. HDFC said that the chatbot is designed to work as a virtual concierge service and is available to anyone, not just those with HDFC accounts.

Are bankers India's new corrupt?At a recent meeting led by SBI, top bankers decided to send out a strong signal to defaulting companies that they would face stern action if they don't cooperate with loan recovery.

Good rain, pay hikes buoy consumer moodConsumer goods companies were upbeat in the first half of 2016, pinning their hopes on an above-average monsoon that would revive rural demand. Besides, the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission's recommendations, which would leave more money with the country's middle class, was likely to be a shot in the arm.

Dabur ad spends subdued in fiscal 2017BENGALURU: Indian FMCG major Dabur India Limited (Dabur) had opened this fiscal with the lowest advertising and publicity expenses (ASP) in the first quarter (Q1-17, quarter ended 30 June 2016, previous quarter) in four years.